Members of the Sundre Citizens on Patrol Association (SCOPA) have been patrolling throughout the summer and continue to welcome new recruits who might be interested in helping to keep a watchful eye on the community.
Citing instances of ongoing property crime from theft to vandalism in Sundre and the surrounding area, Ruby Edwards, the association’s secretary, said, “As Sundreites, we need to stand together and have one another’s backs.”
Edwards added the number of vehicle break-ins is “just obscene.”
“We need to have more people patrolling,” she said, adding the organization has about two dozen members.
In July, volunteers conducted about 10, two-member patrols, which are scheduled throughout the week, including weekdays and weekends, day and night shifts. She spoke with the Round Up by phone before the end of August, when statistics for that month had not yet been compiled.
“Patrols could be any time,” she said.
Now active again for about a year, the association’s annual general meeting is coming up on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the municipal office starting at 7 p.m. Above and beyond new members to serve as either patrollers, board members, or both, she said the association is also always seeking financial support to help ensure the organization’s ability to continue operating as well as to train new members.
“The police cannot be everywhere, so additional eyes and ears on the ground through SCOPA or other community-based crime prevention initiatives are imperative with assisting their local police to combat criminality,” said Cpl. Joe Mandel.
“These initiatives are a great way for community members to contribute with crime prevention to help build and maintain safe communities.”
Edwards, who is among the group’s active patrollers, said crime is the main motivation that compels her and husband Bill, who are both retired, to act as an additional set of eyes and ears for the police.
“To be a watchman for your community and to watch out for one another is a high calling in my mind,” she said.
“It’s fine as long as there’s no hockey,” Bill said in jest, adding they have occasionally gone on patrol even when there’s a big game on.
Levity aside, the couple said finding a few hours to hit the streets can be challenging for members who work full-time. But they added the association is understanding of people’s busy life schedules and asks volunteers to commit to doing just one, four- to six-hour patrol a month after they’ve completed a couple of basic training courses, including first aid.
“We would like to encourage people who are equally as opposed to all this criminal activity to go to the RCMP station and pick up an application,” said Edwards.
“It’s all at the volunteer’s convenience based on their availability,” said Bill.
“The bottom line is, do you have eyes and ears? And if you do, we need you,” added Edwards.
